Larry Malvin

3111 Toulon Dr., C2

Northbrook, IL 60062

847-707-0175

malvinphoto@comcast.net

Petition for “Blanket” 200-foot COA

1. I use a DJI Phantom 3 Professional quadcopter. The weight of the quadcopter is 2.82 lbs, 

and the size is 23.22 inches diagonally. It has a camera attached to the body which 

produces photos and video. It is controlled by a controller using a built-in DJI

Lightbridge system for complete control of the quadcopter. For camera viewing, one can 

either use a smart phone or tablet with a built-in DJI app. The Phantom 3 is the latest 

generation of DJI quadcopters with optimal performance for safety and control. They

state that each motor has the power and precision needed for the best flight experience 

possible. Brushless motors work to make the Phantom 3 fast, agile, and responsive. If the 

Intelligent Flight Battery is running low, or if the Phantom 3 loses the connection with 

the remote controller for any reason, the aircraft will automatically return to the takeoff 

point and land safely.

2. For flight, I always follow a standard pre-flight procedure. After the Phantom, controller 

and smartphone app are turned on and working, a calibration is required for safety. I 

calibrate the quadcopter by rotating it horizontally and vertically and then making sure I 

have a connection that says, “GPS mode, Safe to Fly.” This insures that the quadcopter 

has connected with at least eight satellites (and often up to 15), is safe to fly, and will 

hover in place when the controls are let go. I never lift off without the safe to fly

confirmation. 

3. The quadcopter uses an operating frequency of 2.400 GHz-2.483 GHz. The operating 

temperature is 0-40C and uses a 600mAh LiPo 25 battery. Maximum flight time is 23 

minutes.

4. I have been using a quadcopter for a year and 4 months. I first learned how to fly with a 

remote controller using a small, lightweight Blade quadcopter that I flew indoors in my

home, then outside when I felt more comfortable. When I mastered the controls, I bought 

a DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and practiced numerous times at a large open grassy area near 

my home. Last year I flew over 100 hours. Since then, I bought a new Phantom 3 

Professional which is the latest offering from DJI. I have flown this new quadcopter over 

60 hours. 

5. I am in good health to fly a quadcopter. I have the dexterity to fly using the controller and 

20/25 vision. I use sunglasses if needed when the quadcopter flies near the sun so I do not

lose sight of the unit.

6. I am applying for a blanket 200-foot COA. The reason for the exemption is to provide 

another service to my clients. I am a professional photographer who photographs homes 

and buildings for real estate agents, architects and builders. The ability to show a 
residence from the air provides a perspective that is not achievable from the ground. This 

can help convince a potential buyer to visit the home based upon the photos. Whenever I 

fly, I make sure safety precautions are met. I never fly near people, under less than 

optimal weather conditions, and never in area that is surrounded by trees or buildings. I 

never fly in the city of Chicago as I do not feel comfortable flying around tall buildings 

that could interfere with the safety of the quadcopter (such as gusts of winds or potential 

connection interference due to the tall buildings). Anyone that accompanies me is always 

behind me, a safe distance from the quadcopter. I also carry Drone Liability Insurance up 

to $1,000,000 through U.S. Specialty Insurance Company, Policy # AC300005920 and

billed through Dasco Insurance Agency of Northbrook, IL.

7. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional has a maximum ascent speed of 5 m/s and a max descent 

speed of 3 m/s. The maximum speed is 16 m/s. I have never approached this speed as I 

have no need to fly that fast. I never fly the quadcopter more than 200 feet high and never 

lose sight of it as well. I am simply not comfortable if I cannot see it. If I need to fly the 

quadcopter to an area that is not visible from my location, I land the quadcopter and then 

walk to the area that was obstructed from my previous location.

8. All my flights would be in a suburban area of Chicago, mostly in residential areas. I do 

not fly over groups of people, near power lines or airports.

9. The closest major airport to me is Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The other is 

Chicago Executive Airport. The Phantom 3 Professional quadcopter has a GPS system 

built in that shows the location on the app. If the quadcopter is in proximity to an airport, 

a warning appears on the app that states that the quadcopter cannot fly above 100 feet if 5 

miles near an airport or simply will not take off if its location is near an airport. 

10. As stated in #7 above, I always fly within line of sight of the quadcopter. Safety to me is 

of primary importance. Plus, the quadcopter is an expensive unit, and flying recklessly is 

not only dangerous but can be expensive to replace.

11. As stated in #2 above, I always follow the same pre-flight checklist, making sure the 

battery and controller are fully charged, and after calibration, the quadcopter is in “GPS 

Mode, Safe to Fly.” If I do not receive the safe to fly signal, I move the quadcopter to 

different location and proceed to follow the procedures until the quadcopter is in the safe 

to fly mode.